[The Person Who Plays Handball Needs the Ball, the Contact and the Community - Changes in Sport Club Activities Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Significance for Sports Clubs].

Aim: Sports clubs play an important role in the promotion of physical activity and health in Germany. Against the background of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study explores the changes in sport activities and their significance for sports clubs.

Methods: We conducted 15 expert interviews with representatives of Bavarian sports clubs. The data were transcribed and evaluated inductively by means of thematic analysis.

Results: The clubs developed extensive activities to provide members with opportunities for sport and exercise even under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. In general, the club members were understanding and positive towards the changes in the clubs. The participation in the newly created digital offers by the members seemed to differ from those in real courses. Nevertheless, the interviewees were skeptical about the long-term potential of digital sports offerings. Participants could miss the personal contact, the collective experience and team spirit when meeting only virtually.

Conclusions: The efforts of the sports clubs to provide regular opportunities for sport and exercise during the COVID-19-pandemic underlines their importance for prevention and health promotion. From a public health perspective, changes in the offered activities may outlast the pandemic. However, further research is necessary.